Writer Asks For Family Stories
On Teen Violence Against Parents

May 17, 2007

My name is Alexa Fleming. I'm a correspondent for PEOPLE magazine out of Washington, D.C.

As you might know, the magazine frequently explores difficult issues involving families and relationships. I'm writing to you today to ask for some assistance with a piece that's in production.

Last fall I read a Cleveland Plain Dealer article about adolescent-to-parent abuse, and my editors are interested in working on a story about the issue. Over the last few months I've contacted researchers around the United States who're focusing on adolescent-to-parent violence. They've put together some fresh statistics for us and are ready and willing to be involved.

Every piece of this nature needs its "real people" to put a face to the issue, and we're seeking several families who've had to address this within their relationships. Specifically, we're looking for teenagers who've repeatedly been physically violent with their parents in the last few years.

Another residential-school administrator suggested that I contact you. In your business, I'm sure you know some young people and their families who could be viewed as success stories after receiving residential care. I'm hoping that you also may know people who'd like to share their story, especially as it would illustrate hope to our readers.

Participation would involve speaking to me either in person or via telephone for interviews and agreeing to be photographed. There's a possibility the editors would agree to to interviews under the cloak of name anonymity -- but the sources still must agree to be photographed as the magazine is very photo-rich.
We'd move very quickly once the right candidates are found, as I've already completed several interviews.

I'm available to tell you anything at all about this project or our approach and am happy to speak to you at any time. You can see my recent work in last week's issue in a piece called "Their Third Goodbye," about a family that is enduring a third deployment as the husband and father goes to Iraq with the U.S. Marine Corps.

Best,

Alexa Fleming